Day 1

One Hundred Years of Solitude Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

How did José Arcadio Buendía change over time as Melquíades and the other gypsies visited?

(5 minutes)

The narrator describes José as being a “kind of youthful patriarch.” He was clean-cut, active, and hardworking. He kept a grand home with many animals. He also gave advice to many of the villagers and helped Macondo become an “orderly” village where people were “truly happy.” Over time, José's appearance went from clean to unkempt. The narrator says, “There were many who considered him the victim of some strange spell” so complete was his transformation.

2

The narrator says Aureliano was born with his eyes open. What do you think this may indicate about his character?